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Alfriston Clergy House

Located close to the village green, alongside Alfriston's parish church, the medieval Clergy House was built in 1350 as a residence for priests. Noted as the very first building to be acquired by the National Trust in 1896.

Originally constructed in timber and thatch, the house has been carefully restored retaining much of the original materials. The property sits in pretty cottage garden with clipped hedges, trees and climbing roses. Inside it has a large medieval hall with an unusual chalk floor.

Opening times: times vary, see website for details - Admission Charge
Location: The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 5TL -Tel: 01323 870001
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Image Credit: ©National Trust Images/Marianne Majerus

Ashdown Forest Llama Park

This rare breed animal centre is home to over 100 Llamas, Alpacas, and Reindeer, which graze freely in the grounds. You can actually buy a llama or alpaca, if you have the space and facilities to care for one. If not, you can simply adopt one of the lovely cute animals already living at the park. Failing that, you can always buy an alpaca fur hat or scarf from the Alpaca Shop or just simply look around and enjoy these beautiful peaceful creatures.

Opening times: daily 10am to 5pm (closed Xmas & NY) Admission Charge
Location: Wych Cross, Sussex, RH18 5JN - Tel: 01825 712040 - Website

Bateman's

Built in 1634 by a wealthy Sussex iron-master, the house was purchased in 1902 by Rudyard Kipling, who lived there till his death in 1936. It was in these tranquil surroundings that Kipling was inspired to write some of his best know works. The house remains much as it did in Kipling's day, containing many of his personal belongings and furnishings. The garden was planned and laid out by Rudyard and his wife Carrie during their stay.

The 18th century water mill, at the bottom of the garden, was converted by Rudyard to provide electricity for the house. The windmill has now been restored as a productive flour mill and grinds wheat into flour on most Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Opening times: Mar~Oct, Sat to Wed, 11am to 5pm (also G.F.) Admission Charge
Location: Bateman's Lane, Burwash, Sussex, TN19 7DS - Tel: 01435 882302 - Website

Battle Abbey & Battlefield

The ruins of the abbey stand near to the site where the famous Battle of Hastings took place on 14th October 1066, and from which the nearby town takes its name. St Martin's Abbey was built by the victor 'William the Conqueror', who vowed he would build a church on the site if God gave him victory. The current remains of the abbey are of a later date than William the Conqueror's original building, and include a magnificent gateway, monks sleeping quarters and cellars. The actual site of Harold's demise is marked by the Abbey's high alter. Visitors to the site can walk around atmospheric abbey ruins and through the nearby fields where the battle raged.

Opening times: all year, Apr~Sep, daily 10am to 6pm; Oct~Mar, daily 10am to 4pm (closed Xmas & NY) Admission Charge
Location: High Street, Battle, Sussex, TN33 0AD - Tel: 01424 775705 - Website

Bluebell Railway

Opened in 1960, this quaint little steam line runs from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes. The line was rescued by enthusiasts in the 60s and is now a volunteer-run heritage railway that retains all the flavour of the steam age, with restored locomotives, rolling stock and historic coaches.

Opening times: all year, Sat & Sun, daily May~Sep & during school holidays. For timetable and information see website. Admission Charge
Location: Sheffield Park Station, Sussex, TN22 3QL - Tel: 01825 720800 - Website
Image Credit: Brigitte Werner (CC0)

Bodiam Castle

One of England's finest late medieval fortresses. Constructed in 1385 by Edward Dalyngrigge, to guard a vital crossing point on the River Rother against the invading French armies. Although never attacked by the French it was besieged by the Cromwellian forces during the Civil War who laid it to waste. Today its impressive outer battlements and round towers still stand firm, serenely reflected in the castle's wide artificial moat.

Opening times: Feb~Oct, daily 10.30am to 6pm (dusk if earlier); Nov~Feb, Sat & Sun 10.30am to 4pm (dusk if earlier) Admission Charge
Location: Bodiam, Sussex, TN32 5UA - Tel: 01580 830436 - Website

Drusillas Park

Lying in the heart of the picturesque Cuckmere water meadows, the zoo park has a variety attractions, including over 100 wild and protected animal species, from meerkats to penguins. There is also a butterfly house, farm, adventure playground and large indoor play area, beautiful gardens and a miniature railway ride that winds through some of the animal paddocks.

Opening times: all year, daily 10am to 6pm (winter 10am to 5pm) (closed Xmas) Admission Charge
Location: Alfriston Road, Alfriston, Sussex, BN26 5QS - Tel: 01323 874100 - Website

Great Dixter

Family home of the respected garden writer Christopher Lloyd. Build around 1450 and later extended by Lutyens in 1910. The garden were an experimental creation, with topiary, flower meadows, an exotic garden and the world famous Dixter long border.

Opening times: April to October, daily from 11am (closed Mondays) - Admission Charge
Location: Northiam, Rye TN31 6PH
Tel: 01797 252878
Website: greatdixter.co.uk
Image Credit: JRCologne (CC0)

Pevensey Castle

William the Conqueror established his first stronghold at Pevensey when he landed here in 1066; built on the site of a earlier Roman defensive fort originally constructed to repel the Saxons. Much of the crumbling battlements and corner towers still stand today, providing a fascinating insight into the formidable defensive capabilities the fortress once provided in its heyday.

Opening times: Apr~Sep, daily, 10am to 6pm; Oct, daily, 10am to 4pm; Nov~Mar, Sat-Sun, 10am to 4pm Admission Charge
Location: Castle Road, Pevensey, East Sussex, BN24 5LE - Tel: 01323 762604 - Website

Brighton Sea Life Centre

Re-opening in spring 2012, with extensive refurbishments and new added features, the Brighton Sea Life Centre is an ideal place for the whole family to visit.

You can experience spectacular marine displays, containing over 150 marine species swimming in natural habitats, including seahorses, turtles, rays and sharks. Exhibits include a walk through underwater observation tunnel, an interactive rock pool where visitors can touch crabs & starfish, and daily feeding demonstrations.

Opening times: opening in spring 2012, daily 10am to 5pm (closed Xmas)
Admission Charge
Location: Marine Parade, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 1TB - Tel: 01273 604234 - Website

British Airways i360

Designed by the creators of the London Eye, the British Airways i360 soars to heights of 138m (450 feet) for stunning views across Brighton. Located right on Brighton’s beautiful beachfront, this iconic new landmark is the tallest moving observation tower in the world! There is plenty of space to move around and see the view from different angles during your 30-minute “flight”. The base of the tower is a beach building where you’ll find a stylish a 400-seat restaurant, the West Pier Tea Rooms and a more casual beach café.

Opening times: various times throughout the day - Admission Charge
Location: West Pier on Brighton Beach, BN1 2LN

Sheffield Park Garden

This beautifully landscaped parkland is a magnificent 'Capability' Brown creation, laid out in the late 18th century around a series of lakes and cascades. Further landscaping and planting was carried out in the early 20th century to add autumn colour, with many rare trees and shrubs. During May and June the gardens spring to life with massed blooms of azaleas and rhododendrons. Special events are run throughout the season.

Opening times: all year, times vary see website for details Admission Charge
Location: Sheffield Park, Sussex, TN22 3QX - Tel: 01825 790231 - Website

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Towns and Villages in Sussex

Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.